14 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Quilting! - Quilt and Sewing Tips

[@deborahbrown9581]

Long time sewist/quilter/instructor here, (I’m 73, been sewing since I was 14). Just a tip, you should add to your video how to straighten your fabric before you even start to cut it, that was one of my first hints when teaching. Hold up your fabric with selvages together, at the top, with fold on bottom. Lay it on your cutting mat, and using a long ruler (at least 24”) place one of the measuring lines along the fold of the fabric. You’ll notice the right side of your fabric is probably very crooked. Using your rotary cutter, cut that piece so it’s straight. Now you have a straight, even edge to cut strips from. If you’ve ever cut a strip (say, 2” x WOF) and find a “V” shape or a bow in the middle of your strip, it’s because your fabric didn’t start out evenly.

[@seekatesew]

That is a great tip for beginners! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@karenhawkins6311]

@@seekatesewg, when I need a straight grain, I usually rip a small strip off one end...

[@nannettenielsen216]

I need a video on that. I am a visual learner.

[@celesteashcombe47]

⁠@@nannettenielsen216 Mimzy and Co has a great tutorial on both these methods. Look for her video called “another way to find straight, square and on grain” KZbin is deleting the link I tried to share here 😢

[@WalnutPeanut1]

@@celesteashcombe47thank you for sharing this hint to the video! I was same to find the video and this tip is exactly what I’ve been needing to learn!

[@cherieoraivej]

This video was awesome! I took a quilting class last year and the instructor was very strict about everything. It took the fun out of it for me. And she didn’t teach any of the practical tips you gave (except pressing and changing needle) that would have had me soaring. Thanks for making quilting less intimidating. Not everyone is looking to make a show quilt. Sometimes you just want to make something as a gift or for daily use.

[@shadowkatbinga5894]

I experienced this same thing years ago. She was so exacting. I did not want to even finish my project. I wasn’t given any tips about fabric or anything. I hope you finish a beautiful quilt. I may try something simple. 😊

[@seekatesew]

I appreciate your comment and hope you have found fun in quilting again!! :)

[@seekatesew]

I hope you are able to try again and love it! :)

[@MelanieClaire61]

So agree...

[@deborahbrown9581]

Some people just aren’t good instructors. When I was teaching I would always ask my students “do you have any questions?, if I’m not clear please let me know “. We always took our time, it was always about the process and enjoying the journey. It’s so important to teach good habits. I hope you continue on and take classes from different people.

[@Peter-up9yw]

Hi Kate, as an Australian male, 74 years of age, having recently purchased a sewing machine, I really appreciated your video on "... Quilt and Sewing Tips". I am soaking up as much as I can. Also, I really appreciated your clear voice, well paced descriptions and clean editing. Look forward to more tips, tricks and guides from you, for which purpose, I have subscribed. Thank You, Peter.

[@seekatesew]

Hi Peter, Thank you so much for your comment and I am so happy you are here. Quilting and sewing can be such a fun hobby so welcome to your new obsession! :)

[@Peter-up9yw]

@@seekatesew 👍 🇦🇺

[@jo-annevandermey2704]

Great tips. The one caution I would give is to check that your precut is the size is correct by doing a check. Sometimes they are not correct. And that the sewist sees that those pinked edges are part of the width.

[@seekatesew]

That is a great thing to remember and so true! 5" squares can be quite different in size!

[@M-hc9xm]

Agreed! I found that it was time better spent to learn to cut well so that any sizing mistakes were my own. Also allows me to find my own fabric combinations.

[@sandybruce9092]

The very first thing did was use pins to keep the seams together!!! I get a bit crazy with online quilters knowing there are new quilters watching all the time - I think using pins is something every quilter should at least start out with and use, especially with nesting seams. Perhaps some think I’m old fashioned but pinning I believe is necessary!

[@seekatesew]

I agree!! There are some quilts that don't need pins but I think they are so helpful for pieced blocks with lots of seams! Thanks for the comment!

[@cherriemcbratney162]

❤❤ your tips are awesome. I'm getting ready to start a big project - a grandson quilt and your suggestions and demonstrations were practical, time, and money-saving. Appreciate the sharing.

[@seekatesew]

Wonderful! How exciting to have a grandson to sew for. Thank you for watching!

[@beckypetersen2680]

Well done video. Thanks for concise instructions and showing many things in one video!

[@seekatesew]

Thanks for watching!

[@LisaPedrotti-u3n]

This was great! I am a newbie quilter and always trying to figure out if I'm doing things "right". I know there are foundational concepts, but knowing that it is okay to do things differently because they work for me takes a lot of pressure off. I also appreciate the tip about chain sewing and sewing binding strips. I know those tips and all the others will come in very handy. 😺

[@seekatesew]

Love it! No pressure quilting is definitely more fun!

[@connielowder6904]

Your daughter has already made quilts?! That's awesome!

[@seekatesew]

Just one! She's so proud (and so am I!) :)

[@iknitb4itwaship33]

I am surprised that the rulers you use don’t have a diagonal line corner to corner. I find that very helpful with HSTs

[@seekatesew]

You are right, those diagonal lines help a lot. I'm so used to these green rulers I don't need them but that is a good tip for beginners!

[@hunterwatson8613]

I find some rulers better than others for different tasks. When needing very accurate measuring, I find the rulers with thin lines much better to line up the diagonal sewing line when cutting HST

[@kpb0701]

I love this! I also wanted to thank you for all the lovely patterns you have on your website. I was wondering if you would ever do a video tutorial for your dog bow pattern?

[@seekatesew]

Thank you so much! It's on my list, hopefully I will get to it soon :)

[@MelanieClaire61]

Quilting Is Art...indeed 😊

[@seekatesew]

Totally! Thanks for watching 😊

[@joanwood9480]

I don't have a clapper but I do have a short length of 2X4. It works for me

[@seekatesew]

Brilliant!!

[@beckyvillines1613]

Yes! I can't pay the amount they want for clappers at the quilt store. So I went to a local cabinet shop and they gave me several scrap hardwood pieces approx. 2 1/2 inches thick. I screwed a drawer handle to some of them to make them easier to pick up. The guy at the cabinet shop offered to route grooves in the sides to make them easier to pick up, so I may go back and have him do that on the rest of them.

[@enamel24]

This was so helpful as a new quilter!! Thanks so much :)

[@seekatesew]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@_Lynaed_]

Some great tipps for beginners. Thank you. Mine is: you don't need to buy all those pretty but pricy things from all the brands. As a quilter's clapper I use a plain wooden block and it works just as fine

[@seekatesew]

Such a great reminder!!

[@ChelleC33]

Thank you for saying this. My thoughts exactly.

[@ae4419]

Great tips!! I really enjoy your videos!! Thank you!! -Alicia

[@seekatesew]

Thank you Alicia! I'm glad you are here :)

[@frankfrank6541]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@seekatesew]

Glad you liked it!

[@karenhawkins6311]

My tip would be to starch your fabric before you cut. It makes your cuts more accurate and your seams more stable. I would also recommend Block Loc rulers for trimming Half Square Triangles and Flying Geese.

[@seekatesew]

Thanks for the great tips Karen, I need to check out those rulers!

[@ncboot5014]

All of these tips were VERY HELPFUL ~ THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing them!!! At the 2:15 minute mark, to the right of the iron rest thing there are 2 squares... I'd like to know what the manufacture is for the PINK square, that looks like miniature cheater's fabric with a quilting theme to it ~ it's SO pretty and would be perfect for my granddaughter's doll house bed!!! If you know please respond to this message... and if you do, THANKS, but if you don't know, no biggie :) Take care and THANKS AGAIN for these helpful tips!!🙂

[@seekatesew]

It's a cute one! Yes I do know... The fabric line is called Meadow Star by Alexa Abegg and the fabric is called Granny Square. That will be so cute in a doll house! Thanks for watching!

[@laceehart4703]

I need to know, what quilt pattern is the pink and aqua quilt that's on the top of the pile in your intro?

[@seekatesew]

Is it this one? www.etsy.com/listing/1838787350/ombre-ribbon-star-quilt-pattern-pdf?click_key=883d5132cb48e52e00f24111957baf93344a6a70%3A1838787350&click_sum=c1492901&ref=shop_home_active_3&pro=1

[@laceehart4703]

@@seekatesewyes! Thank you!!!!

[@camillewinkleman5519]

I noticed that when you press your seams you press on the wrong side of the fabric, not the right side. I was always taught to press on the right side to avoid a possible crinkle. Also do you press your seams before you open them?

[@seekatesew]

There are so many ways to press! I usually press on the right side for my smaller blocks and the back when rows and blocks are sewn together - but for this video I pressed on the wrong side so it was easier to see which way I was pressing. I don't typically press the seams before opening them but I know many quilters like to set the seams before opening.

[@bennieroberts2560]

I agree-press on right side. Also, the video makes the tension of your stitches look a little tight creating slight puckering. ??

[@sandybruce9092]

I never start pressing from the right side and have never heard of doing this, but if it works, then why not!

[@ireneingham6549]

I seldom press seams open

[@josiesundin4405]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you !!

[@chereliu5565]

Wonderful video on so many helpful reminders! Thanks for sharing such videos of sewing fabric and what you do to make fabric line up! I’m a person who’s sewn clothing and projects and I’m new to quilting. Love your beautiful and fun fabrics especially the Ruby Star Society! I don’t have much space for storing quilts so I’m making small projects and having a blast! I did my first log cabin quilting blocks for a small and square table cover. It’s going to be a gift which makes me so happy! I’ve always wanted to learn how to quilt and staying on the fun and positive mindset is the way to go! Thanks for putting out the great positivity and joy to creating wherever a person is in their journey. I got so overwhelmed by the rules and don’ts of quilting I did nothing for years. Now I’m having fun, practicing and learning and getting better each time I make something. Love to be around positive and encouraging creative people! Yeah!🤩🥳

[@seekatesew]

I'm so happy you are here! I love smaller quilted and patchwork projects, too, they brighten up my home!! I appreciate your comment

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Prolly TMI... When you press seams to one side there will be fabric behind the seam, possibly making the seam more durable. If you press the seam open, there's only thread where the two fabrics meet. That said, I still mostly press open because I prefer the look. It's all about choices. Your, "no rules" tip is the best!

[@seekatesew]

Yes, so many ways to do the same thing!! Thank you for your comment

[@sandybruce9092]

Way back in the early days of quilting when we did everything by hand we were taught not to press open because of what can happen. But with our wonderful sewing machines and the ability to change stitch length (I always sew at 2.0 not 2.5) pressing open can be a life change with many quilt patterns. Yes, I still prefer to press to the dark side but sometimes a different way is better!

[@jvin248]

You can sharpen needles ... drag them on high grit like 800+ grit sandpaper from the shank to the tip while spinning the needle in your fingers.

[@seekatesew]

Great idea! I need to try this!

[@megfreeth4377]

I don’t like to do this because you can cause little burrs on the metal which can pull on your fabric, which affects your stitches and sewing lines.

[@KimtheElder]

Thank you for the tips and confidence boost. There are so many "quilter police" out there, that it makes a newbie like me want to duck and cover. 🚔🚓🚨 QUESTION: When I am using my rotary cutter, I inevitably start to run up on the ruler! (I swear I don't drive like that! 🤣) Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong? I feel like I"m holding it like every one else, but obviously I must not be. Thanks, again!

[@seekatesew]

Thank you for all your comments!! I'm glad you got a confidence boost! My rotary cutter does that too sometimes and it can be so scary haha. I think having a sharp blade can help. Sometimes my ruler is just worn down on the side and I think sometimes that causes slipping. I cut slow after a bad cut and it doesn't happen as much. Hopefully that helps!

[@KimtheElder]

@@seekatesew i think I'll try to slow down 😄. Blade and ruler are new. It's me haha. Thank you

[@deenagraham5488]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@seekatesew]

Thanks for watching!

[@sarahanderson2268]

Awesome tips! I found these very helpful :)

[@seekatesew]

Thanks so much!

[@karenserritella1233]

Any tips on quilting with double gauze fabric?

[@kimhayden5244]

Thank you. Very very helpful!

[@seekatesew]

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy them!

[@paulinechapman5669]

When asked how much fabric to buy for a quilt..my answer..LOTS🇨🇦

[@seekatesew]

Haha! You can never have too much fabric!

[@brendapatrick4623]

What is the rationale using 2 pins in the seam allowance

[@seekatesew]

Since I pressed one seam allowance one way and the other the other direction I like to put two pins in - one to hold each seam allowance

[@carolsopinski4549]

Excellent video❤

[@seekatesew]

Thanks so much Carol!

[@nannettenielsen216]

I just pieced a table runner. Most of the pieces were precut. But it is a bit of a hot mess. I need to master that stupid quarter inch.

[@seekatesew]

Ah! I'm sorry! I have felt like that before. Don't give up! I hope you can salvage it :)

[@hunterwatson8613]

Another tip - if using material with a design that only goes one way, such as trees/houses/people/animal, and you are doing a pattern that wants all those cut pieces the same design orientation, then purchase more fabric. For example I recently make an hexagonal christmas tree skirt, and most of the fabric had designs that are viewed from only one direction. This meant the angular cuts at each side used more material, than being able to rotate the fabric around for each angled cut piece.

[@seekatesew]

Oh yes that is an important one!!

[@Army2Fire]

I use an antique iron made old fast iron as a clapper!

[@seekatesew]

So smart I love that idea!

[@elizabethboger3409]

Great ideas. I went to find the cheat sheet but it said it was no longer available and error.

[@seekatesew]

Thank you for letting me know! I fixed that and it is available now here: seekatesew.com/half-square-triangles-8-at-a-time-chart/

[@sararhymer4136]

Can you tell me what you are pressing on? The gray material?? I could use that instead of an iron?

[@seekatesew]

Yes - it's called a wool pressing mat - it's so convenient to have right next to my machine instead of an ironing board!

[@LoriKorstanje]

great tips

[@seekatesew]

Thanks Lori!

[@latetotheparty4785]

I don’t make a line all the way across when making an HST. I’m good at eyeing about 1.5” , so I just mark the middle and not the corners. On a large square, I’ll also make the line a dash.

[@seekatesew]

I like your method! That sounds like it would save time.

[@cbrown8575]

#15. Always close your blade when you're not using.

[@seekatesew]

Haha good one!

[@hunterwatson8613]

To remember which way to sew 45 degree angle seam for binding, think of the seam as a ‘belt’ holding the fabric together, and the two long strips you want to keep as the legs of pants/trousers. So you want the seam across where the belt sits on pants, and not up and down splitting the legs apart.

[@seekatesew]

Oh that's a great way to describe it! I will remember that!

[@poodlegirl55]

Great tips. I disagree that packs of fabric are good if you have trouble picking out fabrics. Often they are an entire fabric line and many do not go together. I have seen some horrendous combos in those packs that I would never put together.

[@seekatesew]

Hah that is a good tip! I usually see cute combos but I have not seen them all! :)

[@poodlegirl55]

@seekatesew I was in a quilting class and a girl brought in a pack of 5 inch squares and laid them out. She asked the teacher if they could make a quilt. The horrified look on the teachers face was priceless. She said maybe you could make two or three if you bought more. She did take the time to rearrange the squares and showed the girl that a quarter of them did not match the others. She said this is not a quilt kit, it's only fabric pack.

[@deborahstone9696]

Tip number 13 can I use a ..lazy susan..?

[@seekatesew]

You probably could - the rotating mat was definitely inspired by a lazy susan!

[@kathleenbartle9391]

You’re the best

[@seekatesew]

Thanks Kathleen, that is so nice!

[@debbiebuttars5598]

I went to the link in your description to see links for some items you mentioned. But there weren’t any links. Just FYI. You might be missing out on some $$.

[@seekatesew]

Oh whoops! Was there something in particular you were looking for? Thanks for letting me know!

[@debbiebuttars5598]

The rotating cutting mat. Thanks for getting back to me. That link goes to your blog post. Same on another video.

[@seekatesew]

Oh right, the link to the mat is in the blog post, but it is available here : amzn.to/4eldvDB

[@dorothytackett9943]

You can use a smaller cutting mat on top of the larger one to spin around.

[@seekatesew]

Oh that's a great hack! Thanks Dorothy!

[@sandybruce9092]

Yes, that’s great especially since the rotating mats can be pricey. But I love my rotating mats - just be careful as I and others have found that some have a tendency to come apart easily which isn’t good! I have sever sizes and brands - some good, some OK and a couple are wonderful! I did have some trouble seeing with this beautiful pink mat when you used pink fabrics though - especially when using the square up rulers (which I love and have most all sizes!)!

[@sandybruce9092]

Binding is a great place to press seams open! And yes, I’ve sewn the binding direction incorrectly/wrong much more than once!

[@sandybruce9092]

Is thst a Sue Daley rotating mat? Love the color! And I’m really liking the round ones!

[@sandybruce9092]

It really works better if you cut the horizontal and vertical lines you should have drawn first and then cut the diagonal lines when doing the Magic 8 or other Magic sizes for HST (half square triangles)! It’s very easy to get distortion cutting the diagonals first, especially,for beginner quilters! Not to criticize but… and always make them slightly larger and trim down - no one is perfect!

[@seekatesew]

Great tips!!

[@TeresaThomas-el9wk]

I would love to see that quilt behind you. The name or any info. Thanks

[@seekatesew]

It's called the Buffalo Plaid quilt and you can find it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oofMmKGroM59Zpo Or this blog post: seekatesew.com/buffalo-plaid-quilt-pattern-free-charm-square-quilt/ 😊

[@brendapatrick4623]

I use just a regular piece of 2x4 sanded wood

[@seekatesew]

Great idea!!

[@donnahardin4651]

I went to click into the link - and it says Error 404 - not found.

[@seekatesew]

Thank you for letting me know! I believe I fixed it - here is the link: seekatesew.com/14-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-started-quilting-quilt-and-sewing-tips/

[@sandrawoodard8597]

You don't really need to change your needle after every project. Some projects are smaller, some larger. When your needle is dull, it will tell you! Also, precuts are way more expensive per yard of fabric, the smaller, the pricier. Sew for charity and you will soon see bags of fabric left on your doorstep.

[@seekatesew]

Great tips! I love sewing for charity!

[@karenhawkins6311]

I learned to change the needle after I've gone through five bobbins. That was a more realistic way to tell how long I had used that needle.

[@meacadwell]

I wouldn't worry so much about ironing to the light side if you're going to use a light colored batting as it can blend in with the batting. However, rethink this if using a darker colored batting or backing in the case of only making a coverlet.

[@seekatesew]

Good tip!!

[@gailbroadaway3531]

PLEASE close your rotary cutter when you put it down. This made me cringe.

[@seekatesew]

Good advice!

[@C123abc]

This is the worst possible way to make half-square triangles. If you use this method, you'll likely have a mess with stretched seams no matter how careful you are. Quickest isn't always the best. The other tips are okay but try not to get invested in one brand from someone who adds a price to things with their name on it. As someone else mentioned, that clapper is over-priced and the rulers lack a diagonal line that you'd get from Creative Grids (much more versatile.) Also set those seams before pressing. Better tips elsewhere from more seasoned quilter.

[@monpanskee1090]

I use this method all the time, but you really need to make it bigger, and then square them up. Works perfect every time. You just need to do some mathing 1st.

[@Khymaira]

Walking foot is super helpful with bias too

[@betterbetty3542]

I think you may be loading your bobbin wrong

[@bierjip1]

With respect to buying extra fabric: In Europe quilting fabric costs $21.50 a yard. Good tips! 😍 Just one criticism: once you hear it , you can't unhear it: the croaking at the end of sentences that seems to be all the rage in America, especially among younger women. 😪

[@seekatesew]

Good to know about the fabric pricing, that's quite a bit more than US so it would be harder to get more. Not sure what the voice is, haha! Might just be my KZbin voice :) Thanks for watching

[@ladybugsareviciousdefenders]

It’s called “vocal fry” and has always been a thing but seems to be getting more defined or noticeable.

[@beckypetersen2680]

@@seekatesew It's when you lower your voice and it sort of cracks or hits a gravelly sound. I just learned about a couple of weeks ago.

[@dorothydecesare1607]

How rude

[@sandyhumissouri5131]

Vocal fry is definitely a thing. Definitely something to be aware of.

[@rebeccaalderson8800]

seems like all the tips are just to buy certain products?

[@seekatesew]

I'm trying to share the things I’ve learned that have helped me over the years! Some are products I wish I had known about to make things easier, but they often aren't necessary!

[@celesteashcombe47]

@@seekatesew KZbin quilters can be SO critical! It’s insane, I don’t see this on garment sewing, crochet or knitting videos.. but every other quilting video has people up in arms over silly details, hope you don’t take all these negative nellys to heart. I found your video very informative and practical for beginners

[@firstlast9654]

Changing needles?? I change when it breaks. It NEVER gets dull even if I use them for jeans, never-ever. Also choose a better machine if it stars to miss stiches. I use a 30 years and a 100 years old Singer...

[@seekatesew]

Sounds like you have great machines! I know you can sharpen needles too to make them last longer!

[@celesteashcombe47]

Your approach will have people breaking their machines..

[@sylviaburns8160]

Great tips, many thanks!

[@seekatesew]

Thank you Sylvia!